CINE 60 - Sound for Motion Pictures I - Stage 4 - Daniel Olmsted

Assessment

Assessment Methods
  • Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs
  • Assignments based on rubrics (such as essays, projects, and performances)
  • Direct observation of performances, practical exams, group work
  • Student self-assessments (such as reflective journals and surveys)
Assessment DescriptionAssessed responses to test questions on mic types, audio recording

Distributed a survey with questions about location sound techniques, mic uses, noise issues

Observed the results of in-class filming exercises
Learning OutcomesSkills for recording sound in the field and on location
Number of Sections2
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students~40

Data Analysis

Data Shared With
  • Faculty and staff within our department
  • Students
Data Sharing Methods

Face-to-face meetings

Data SummaryThe results of the questionnaire indicated that a clear majority of students (80%) felt comfortable with the skills to record audio to the camera using a boom mic. The comfort level for using lavalier mics was somewhat less, around 50%. Students also felt proficient with the use of digital audio recorders and double-system location recording, with 85% responding to these questions in the range of 'very comfortable' to 'somewhat comfortable'.

Answers to the exam questions on location sound, bore out these results. 85% of students correctly answered the questions regarding mic types and their uses on set.

Through a series of in-class shooting exercises, student groups proved they could successfully execute location sound filming using boom mics (high success levels) and lavalier mics (intermittent success levels). Discussion of these exercises allows the class to review the techniques and pose follow-up questions to enhance their learning.
Analysis SummaryCine 60 students have achieved a successful outcome if they could answer the test questions, and confidently engineer location audio themselves using boom mics plugged into a camera or used with a digital audio recorder. Confident use of lavalier mics on set would be considered 'exemplary' because of our limited use of these mics during class shoots.
Next Steps PlannedI'd like to enhance the instruction on the use of lavalier mics, by introducing them earlier in the semester for in-class shooting practice. I feel that good skills in boom-mic recording are more important, but the class is already successful in this.

There's no questions, the course would benefit from greater student access to cameras in Cine 60, but our department currently lacks the resources to offer this access. I will lobby for acquisition of more cameras, which would allow students to shoot an individual, sync-sound film outside of class.
Learning OutcomesALL

Changes

DetailsI enhanced the mag-film editing assignment to allow emerging students to repeat the assignment if their first effort was not successful. 2 students accepted this offer and ultimately achieved the outcome.

I enhanced the Pro Tools Narration Project, by encouraging students to test their sound mixes in another playback environment before submitting the work for review. I noticed a significant improvement in the quality of the sound mixes.
Learning OutcomesALL

Tentative Future Plans

TermFall 2013
Activities
  • Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements)
  • Assessment (measurement) of outcomes
  • Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps
  • Implementation of planned changes and reassessment
More DetailsI plan to review the students' understanding of film-sound design history, evolution and the philosophy of contemporary sound design in cinema.

SLO Details Storage Location

Additional Highlights

The use of SLO-driven student surveys has really helped me refine my teaching. It also gives students an outlet to air their concerns, questions and enthusiasms about the class content.

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